Thursday, December 30, 2010

Almost every Christmas, I either read or hear of a great Christmas story that I save for the following year. I had one saved from last year for this year...but this year...nothing. Not one single story gave me chills, choked me up a bit or even made me cry in the slightest.

Maybe things got so hectic or maybe I wasn't taking time to really listen or maybe I had been so self-absorbed that nothing seemed to get through my mind long enough to settle in my heart...until...

IT HAPPENED! The PERFECT story. Not a story I read about from long ago or even a current story on the news, but from an older lady on the other end of my phone!

Right before Christmas, our son Caleb and his best friend, Josh {THINK Caleb and Joshua in the Bible...always seeking adventure...if they don't find it, it FINDS them. Trust ME!} left to spend the afternoon "mudding" in Josh's truck. They had our blessing as long as Caleb was back in time for our family dinner at 5!

Five o'clock came and no Caleb. No phone call or anything. Since I am a MAJOR worrier, I felt myself getting anxious. As I was getting the dinner rolls out of the oven, the phone rang. My hubby answered, "yes, this is Caleb's mom's phone. I am Caleb's Dad, can I help you?" EEEEEEKKKKK!!!! I immediately tried to figure out what had happened. As the conversation continued...I realized Caleb and Josh were okay.

A lady had driven off the side of the road and the boys followed behind her to see if they could help. She was completely shaken up and overwhelmed. She was driving from California to her home in Oregon and needed to put chains on. She had no idea how to put them on, so the boys helped her. She had no way of "paying" them and she asked what she could do to thank them. Caleb answered, "Can you please call my mom, she is going to be worried that I am late for dinner!" So that is exactly what she did!

The next day she called me and was so full of gratitude. Not only was she touched that two young boys were willing to help her out, but that they had no gloves on their hands and that they followed her out of the snow and took her chains off and sent her safely on her way.

That, was my favorite Christmas gift this year! The opportunity to hear from a total stranger that my son and his best friend stopped and took the time to care for her. Knowing how to make a decision. Overriding his need to be home on time in order to take care of something way more important!

She had me in tears by the end of our conversation as she quietly spoke words of affirmation in my ear. Here, a teacher from California, was listing different qualities of my son that so many others {including me at times!!!} are quick to oversee. I was blessed. I am blessed to have a son who loves life more than most and who is more than willing to put his comforts aside to help those he may never see again. OH, sweet Caleb...I love you so and am grateful that God made you just the way you are...wild and adventurous at heart and yet uniquely sensitive and compassionate!

Just yesterday, the boys received a package in the mail with two pairs of North Face gloves and a beautiful card that read, "Dear Caleb and Josh, Thank you both for befriending me on my way to Portland. I hope these will keep your hands warm the next time you help an old lady with chains." Gratefully yours, K

Not only is this note going into his memory box, but a copy will be made for me to keep close at hand on "one of those days" when I wonder how exactly I qualified for being a Momma.

May your New year be filled with many opportunities to breathe words of affirmation to those around you; to STOP and to care for others; and above all may you be filled with God's abundant love and GRACE!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Last year our whole family spent three days in Leavenworth, Washington. It was so beautiful and reminded me of all our fun times spent in Switzerland.

On Christmas Eve, we all went to a tiny, old church for a Christmas Eve service. We didn't know anybody...but it was such a special evening singing old Christmas hymns and Christmas carols.

Before bed that night we read a devotional and I have saved it all year long to share with you.

I am not sure why it brought tears to my eyes, but for some reason it answered a very simple question I have thought about for years and years and years. Not that God always allows us to have our earthy questions answered, but at the time...when I seemed to be questioning God in so many areas in my life, I was reminded that things that seem "terrible" to us may be God's way of protecting us in so many other ways. I want to be able to remember to see life through eyes of faith. Better yet, truly trusting God for HIS amazing grace every.single.day.

"As a young girl in the late 1920's, Grace Ditmanson Adams often traveled with her missionary parents through inland China. Later, she wrote about those trips and the crowded places where they stayed overnight-village inns full of people coughing, sneezing, and smoking, while babies cried and children complained. Her family put their bedrolls on board-covered trestles in a large room with everyone else.

One snowy night, they arrived at an inn to find it packed full. The inn-keeper expressed his regret, then paused and said, 'Follow me.' He led them to a side room used to store straw and farm equipment. There they slept in a quiet place of their own. After that, whenever Grace read that Mary 'brought forth her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn'{Luke 2:7}, she saw the event differently. While some described the innkeeper as an example of uncaring, sinful mankind who rejected the Savior, Grace said, 'I truly believe that Almighty God used the innkeeper as the arranger for a healthier place than a crowded inn- a place of privacy."

Through eyes of faith, we see God's provision for Mary. Look for the ways HE provides for you." David McCasland...Our Daily Bread, December 24, 2009

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Dear readers: Thank you for choosing to read my little bloggie. I thoroughly love writing it and do enjoy journaling some things for my children to have someday which has been fun.

My hubby has taken some time off work to spend with our family while our children are home on Christmas vacation...we are planing on spending lotsa time together.

As some of you know I was in a car accident about a year and a half ago and it has been difficult not to "talk" about it on the blog, but honestly, that is why I picked up blogging to keep myself connected in some way to what was going on and to be able to do something productive when sleep was not happening. Writing while waiting for Dr. appointments and on nights when my hubby was working seemed to help pass the time and really kept me focused on how good God is despite the nasty circumstances.

Right now we are dealing with a ton of insurance stuff {that is the sweetest way I can describe it!}. All this being said, I feel I need to take a break until the start of 2011. Hopefully, this little break will allow me quality time with my family as well a chance to turn the page on the car accident mess...and I do mean MESS. I am hoping to come back feeling rested, refreshed and inspired.

This does not mean a random blog here and there will not be happening as time allows.

I am off to have a HOT date with my favorite man in the whole wide world as our children are out for the evening! My favorite German champagne, appetizers made by my hubby, Christmas lights,watching WHITE CHRISTMAS {my other favorite} warm blankets and did I mention my date??? I love him oh.so. much!!!!

Monday, December 13, 2010

I baked mine in star molds, but you could make a thin batch and use cookie cutters to cut them out...after they are cooled completely. Make sure your pan is well-greased so they don't stick! I do NOT need hate mail. :)

Freeze cooled brownie "cookies".

You will need two stars for each sandwich.

Scoop a small scoop of peppermint ice cream onto first star. Top with a second
star. Sprinkle edges with a bit of crushed peppermint candy {optional}

Place in freezer until ready to serve.

If you have waxed sandwich bags, you could store them in the bags and place them in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Too messy? Too time consuming? Just make your brownies and fill with buttercream frosting with a bit of peppermint flavoring and food coloring or buy your peppermint ice cream. Whatever you do...you really need to make these.

You may also make brownies and use cookie cutters to cut out any template you like. I just love stars!

What is your favorite sweet treat for CHRISTMAS? Do you make it? Buy it? Enjoy it from someone else? Is it tradition? I would love to hear.

VALENTINE VARIATION: Instead of using a star cookie cutter, use a heart shape instead. How sweet for your sweetie pies! :)

SUMMER VARIATION: Use a scalloped round cookie cutter or a flower cookie cutter! ENJOY...I guess the star could resemble a starfish? :)

Sunday, December 12, 2010

I bought these place card holders the day after Christmas in 1999. Yep. That is a long time ago. I was nesting away trying to take bags to the Thrift Store. Well, I loved the stars, but I am not into gold...so I brought them in...took the stickers off and used GLOSS paint to give them a fresh new cottage look. I love them. I let them dry and then took a piece of red and white Bakers Twine and attached them to twine with the card holder wire. It worked perfect...and if I need them for place cards, I can simply take them off the twine and use them for whatever. I love finding old things that have not been used and find a use for them.

What is something you have found that is not being used from around your home and turned it into something useful or for decoration? I would love to hear or see!

Happy Sunday. Sorry the pichave not been very good lately and that the posts have been really hit and miss. Maybe after December, things will settle down a bit. :} Aside from that, there is way too much going on for you all to be reading anyway.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Photo Credit: Thank you, Kim for the adventure and for sharing your incredible talent...you are the dearest of friends!

Today is one of those days I would rather just post a recipe and call it good, but by now we are all friends and we can just chat about things...

If you are a Momma you will be able to relate and for those of you who don't have children maybe you will understand how things may have been or how things are for your Momma.

Nothing quite tugs at your heart as much as watching your child cry and not be able to say anything that will help or be able to soothe them. When they are babies, it seems to be a bit easier to offer a favorite blankie, toy or binky...but the older they get...it seems to be silence and the act of pulling them close to your heart, kissing their forehead and running your hands through their hair and out of their teary eyes. NOTHING ELSE.

This morning we took David, Rissa's boyfriend, to Seattle. He is leaving to serve in South Korea for 12-18 months. He has become such a part of our family and is one special young man.

We love him!

Sometimes it is so easy to question God. Seriously, who am I to think I know better! But it's true. I question Him all.of.the.time. Like...what on earth is a 19 year-old doing so far away from home? I was looking at some pictures from David's class and thinking to myself, "those little boys should be HOME...not off fighting a war!" But I thank God that those boys are as unselfish as they are and are willing to fight whatever the risk may be...and I also think what amazing Mommas brought up those young, strong boys, and if they didn't have Mommas who took care of them and taught them...maybe they were brought up to be courageous men by a single Dad, grandparents, foster care, other family members etc...but I just hope and pray they had some kind of affection and love in growing up to be able to fall back on when they are out at war fighting! Do you ever think of things like that???

As we said goodbye, Rissa's eyes filled with tears, there was not much to say. I am praying that tonight will not be a sleepless night filled with worry but that God will comfort her and that she will know that David's plane is in the grip of God's hand and that every move and step David takes...God will envelope him and keep him and the other soldiers safe and out of harm's way. I am praying that shelter will be provided for them. Not so much in the form of the four walls of barracks...but that these soldiers would be given others who might take care for them and nurture them along the way!

I pray that David, as a man of God, will be able to continue to LIVE out John 13:34 and 35. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another." I pray that he will be able to carry out THAT love. I pray that he will be able to stand strong and continue to demonstrate God's love to fellow soldiers and possibly at times his enemies. That he will be able to love the unlovely and care for those around him even when nobody seems to be caring for him and that he will be comforted by the very words of God.

I pray that David and Rissa will have lots of times to LAUGH. Fun times to look back on and even more memories to look forward to.

I pray that God will bring him home safely and that they will be able to be best of friends!

As a Momma, I pray that I will keep praise on my lips and be able to trust the fact that God is in control. No amount of worry, no amount of fear is going to change anything.

Today as we traveled North, I saw a hint of a rainbow off in the distance. It was misting...and within seconds...the sky grew dark and then it began to POUR, but the rainbow quickly became brighter and the colors were VIVID in the distance and a second rainbow suddenly reflected the arch of color across the sky. HOW appropriate! As we are at our darkest times of sorrow, possibly at our point of breaking and feeling completely overwhelmed...His promises have never failed and never will. Riss, how good is God to give us such an incredible reminder!

"Hear my CRY, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto you, when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy." Psalm 61:1-3

To you who LIVE.LAUGH and LOVE...it is good to be able to CRY out to the One who is strong enough to handle your biggest fears and who is concerned about your tiniest of worries.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

No time for side dishes and gourmet brining and spices? Here is a great idea. Dinner in a bucket. Yep. No passing the veggies or bread and butter. Everybody has their own dinner in their bucket. And it is still super nutritious and will leave your guests feeling pampered and not overly stuffed.

Healthy Fish Fillets and Veggies {in parchment} No scrubbing pots and pans for this dinner!

This recipe serves two... but may easily be doubled, doubled again and again...for however many people you are serving!

2 Tbsp. butter

4 cups fresh spinach, washed and stems removed

2 4-6 ounces white fish fillets {I used halibut that was about a 1/2" thick}

Sea salt and fresh ground pepper...or Johnny's Seasoning Salt

half of a zuchini, cut into half and sliced into thin slices

4 baby portabellas, washed and sliced

1 large tomato, seeded and chopped

4 thin slices of lemon

2 Tbsp.olive oil

Parchment Paper

Bakers Twine...now available at Crate&Barrel!

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450*

For each packet, you will want to layer two sheets of parchment that is at least 15" long to keep all of your food inside.

Take your butter and run it down the middle.

Place 2 cups of spinach on top of butter.

Place fish on top.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper or desired seasonings.

Divide the rest of the veggies between two packets

Lay lemons on each and drizzle with olive oil.

Fold packets up: Fold long edge over opposite side and tuck the short ends under.

Place two packets in baking pan and place in oven for about 18 minutes or until fish is opaque in color. Be very careful with steam.

When I am taking this meal to friends, I add the twine for delivery and have them take it off to bake.

To serve: place packets in a bucket with bread, drink, silverware and a tin to place packet in to eat out of! I would suggest mini baguettes to put in your bucket...

Friday, December 3, 2010

Welcome to Sweet Treat Saturday. Please share a favorite sweet treat you enjoy on Saturday. It can be something you make, something you enjoy, something you eat...a favorite place you like to go to on Saturday OR a fun craft, a shop...or recipe. I have always loved to hear what other people enjoy doing on Saturdays...I love to bake...hence Sweet Treat Saturdays...but I know there are alot of other sweet things that can be enjoyed that have absolutely nothing to do with food...sooo...if it is something sweet to you...the sky is the limit!

Yesterday was "mommy day". Riss was back for the night on Wednesday night...so we had a festive shrimp fettucini dinner...so fun...well, I woke up to a little bug snuggled up to me yesterday morning=sheer delight! I will never get tired of bringing her Nutella toast in bed! My children still love to eat in bed which is something my Momma did for us! It is fun to think they will be doing the same with their children one of these days. Never underestimate little random acts of kindness! They may become TRADITION!

My son forgot his lunch at home and normally it is "too bad, soo sad"...but he texted me and then called and I thought to myself "how many more times am I going to be able to do this?" So, I ordered his favorite take-out food, picked it up and ran it to him before driving downtown to watch my hubby play in a basketball benefit tournament. EEEEEKKKK! I know sometimes being a Momma can be so demanding, but it feels good to be able to nurture your family...especially when it is easy to put them on the back-burner. So, if you are feeling frazzled...try loving on your family...it is sure to charge your batteries. Even if it is tucking them in at night...you will be sure to feel like you just got a big ole shot of vitamin D!

Riss got Nutella toast, Caleb got Wu's and my hubby got these...according to him, they are "quite possibly the best dessert!" Mr. Pearson says that about everything...but he was pretty convincing!!! "He" wants to make them for all the guys at work...that would mean "me"! Good thing they are easy!

This is a combo of two different recipes...

{In attempt to make it healthier, I had to add something in from Trader Joes!}

About Me

I am a
follower of Jesus Christ and know that without HIM, I am NOTHING.

Growing up on
the mission field, our home was filled with military men and women who were
away from loved ones. It was in our home
that I watched and learned the value of hospitality while sharing God’s love
with those who walked through the door.

I live in the
Pacific Northwest with my sweet hubby of 24 years. We have four very fun grown
children…two by birth and two by marriage and are loving our first grandbaby
girl and two grand-puppies!!

I am
passionate about being a wife, momma, and mimi.
My hubby and I strive to make our home a refuge for those around
us…despite crazy schedules, temperamental appliances and daily set-backs!

My heart’s
desire is to help women with budget-friendly, creative ways to meet and balance
the challenges of the “everyday” while nurturing and blessing their husbands,
children, friends and community.

Hot tea with
friends, cozy little homes, making simple gifts that have a story, a memory or
a special meaning. recycling and
repurposing as much as possible, finding a great bargain, babies in jammies, polka-dots,
ordinary meals at our family table…and spur-of-the-moment company, are among my favorite things…please notice
laundry is NOT mentioned…:}

I am so
grateful to God for every day of LIFE and for this time to spend with YOU!